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RETIREE'S NEWSLETTER HELLO EVERYONE: [Aug 7/10] Once again it’s time to remind you that the next luncheon will be held next Thursday, August 12 – same location – Lawson Road Legion, Highland Creek. BARRY informs me that we will be having another barbecue so you won’t want to miss this. The fun starts anytime after 11:30 a.m. The staff will need to know how many lobsters to thaw so could you please RSVP before noon on Tuesday August 10 - - BARRY at the White House – 416-438-2458 - - ROY at the Fletcher Residence – 416-261-0661 or simply send me an e-mail and I will pass your message on to BARRY. Sadly I have to report that TOM CRAIG is still in Oshawa General Hospital but I understand he is up for visitors. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. BILL WRETHAM has informed me of the passing of CLIFF SMITH’S wife, Barbara on June 7th and we send deepest sympathy to the family. On a more pleasant note we send our heartiest congratulations to our newest retirees, DAVE SPENCE #502 who started with SFD on July 11, 1977 and GREG POTTER #543 who commenced employment on July 21, 1980. We hope they will join us at the Legion next Thursday. Your first lunch is FREE if you join the club. Jessica Phoenix, granddaughter of CLIFF FERGUSON is once again on the rise. Forced to withdraw from the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the field of Equestrian Eventing due to an injury her horse sustained, she has persevered and is now short listed for Canada’s Eventing squad and the World Games, with sights set on the 2012 Olympics. The biggest hurdle Jessica and her horse face is funding. To compete in Beijing, Jessica had to raise almost half of the estimated $100,000.00 cost. To help her continue on, a fund raiser BBQ is scheduled for August 15th. Tickets are $20.00. For more information you can visit her website at www.jessicaphoenix.ca and you may also wish to browse Jessica’s achievements at DurhamRegion.com I wish to thank all the “Sherlocks” who helped track the elusive GENE DIONNE. There were sightings at many localities and he was even spotted attending a car show with BOB TAYLOR in Fenelon Falls. It’s rather reminiscent of that little globe trotting Gnome of TV fame who shows up in some of the darndest places. It’s great to know you are alive and well GENE. Hopefully you will join us on Thursday for some great camaraderie while we all catch up on YOUR gossip. Your lunch too is FREE ! Don’t forget to play safely kids and hope to see everyone out on Thursday. Best regards, Al
HELLO EVERYONE: [July 2010] I am forwarding an e-mail from GEORGE TOPPLE with regard to a recognition notice for former SFD member, ED CROUCH. Thank you GEORGE! As you know, TOM CRAIG has been experiencing some difficulties with his health and I have been informed that he is currently a patient in Oshawa General Hospital. Will forward more information when we receive updates from his family. We all wish you a speedy convalescence TOM and hope you will soon be back up on your feet, hopefully in time for the August 12th Barbecue. Mark your calendars everyone and if you see GREG SIMERSON on July 28th, wish “THE OLD ROOT BEER BEAR” a happy 80th birthday. Don’t worry GREG; age is merely a number and as you prepare to become an octogenarian, just remember - - - after you reach 80 years of life, you will first begin to forget names, then you will forget faces, and oh dear, you will sometimes forget to zip up your fly. . . . .AND . . . . .ultimately, you will forget to Unzip your fly. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREG! My invitation to your party hasn’t yet arrived so as a “heads up,” thought I should caution you that I don’t like my lobster over cooked. CHEERS! Regards, AL George Topple attachment WHITBY -- His was the first face of Whitby's fire service. Now, it's fitting that Ed Crouch's name has found a special spot at the department's main station. Whitby fire headquarters at 111 McKinney Dr. has officially been renamed the Edward M. Crouch Memorial Building in honour of the former Whitby fire chief. "It's a symbol of our appreciation for the remarkable contributions that he made and in memory of his historic significance," said Mayor Pat Perkins at a building dedication ceremony held June 30. Mr. Crouch, who died last November at the age of 78, was the first full-time fire chief in Whitby back in 1969. He was responsible for hiring the first five full-time firefighters -- putting an end to 120 years of solely volunteer-driven service -- and igniting a spark in all who followed in his footsteps. "During his years with the Whitby fire department, both the town and the fire department experienced enormous growth and development," Mayor Perkins said, before unveiling a commemorative plaque to be displayed at the building in his honour. "Ed embraced the challenges and used his extensive knowledge and insight to lead the fire department as it grew from being mostly volunteer-based to a full-time force." During his 23 years of steadfast service to the department before his retirement in 1991, Mr. Crouch left behind a myriad of accomplishments. These include implementing the highly successful junior fire department program that still exists today, acting as first chairman of the Durham Region board that established the 911 system, and garnering the most efficient equipment for the department. "He developed the infrastructure from which we all work today," said Deputy Fire Chief Bob Mowat, who knew Mr. Crouch throughout his entire career. "Through Chief Crouch's leadership, through his purchases, through his implementation of youth and adult programs, through the inspections and code enforcement of our fire prevention staff, through the training and compassionate response of our suppression staff and through the support of our council, the citizens of Whitby enjoy a level of fire protection that is second to none." Mr. Crouch was also recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Medal for outstanding service, the Ontario Fire Service medal and the Canadian Fire Service Exemplary Medal. Currently, there are 467 fire departments in Ontario but only 201, or about 40 per cent, have a full-time chief on staff. "This goes to show the passion, dedication and vision that Chief Crouch had to ensure that the Town of Whitby had the best fire protection," added Mariano Perini, attending the event on behalf of the Ontario Fire Marshal's office. April 30/10 HELLO EVERYONE: I thought if I called you all tonight I would catch everyone at home - - finishing up your Income Tax Returns. I’m not trying to rush you here - - you still have almost six hours in which to complete this. Good Luck everyone! We celebrated two retirements this week – JOHN MCGIVERN on Wednesday and DAVE STEVENS on Thursday. Congratulations gentlemen and welcome to the wonderful world of retirement. We hope you will join us on the 2nd Thursday of every month for a delicious luncheon and a couple of hours of terrific camaraderie. It was great to see SUE BROWN attend the retirement party without her foot cast for a change. You will have to take very good care of that for quite some time, so you might consider kicking Bob down the stairs rather than up for a while. STAN AMOS informed me that Sharon is struggling with the affects of knee replacement surgery and joins a large number of members who have undergone this procedure. They will most likely agree that it is certainly no fun and we all wish you a complete and speedy recovery. The next Retiree we will celebrate is RICK TURNER, seniority number 419 who started with SFD in July 1974 and has served 35 years. His party will be held on Thursday, May 6 at the Royal Canadian Legion #258, 45 Lawson Road (Highland Creek) at 7:00 p.m. For more information you may contact JOHN ZANCANARO AT 905-721-9328 OR 416-951-9328. Congratulations RICK! SUE BROWN is once again soliciting assistance on Saturday, May 8 for IODE Geranium Day. They require help unloading geraniums off the truck and request you arrive at Stephen Leacock Arena, 2500 Birchmount Avenue Scarborough, at 6:30 a.m. No, this is not a typo - - it IS 6:30 a.m. If you are worried about your alarm malfunctioning and you might not wake in time, you might try what I usually do - - - - just prior to retiring, I drink a very large glass of water and you won’t have to worry; you wake in plenty of time to make the 6:30 appointment. If anyone can help out with the flowers, could you please call Margo MacKinnon at 905-839-5789. Thanks very much. I’m giving you a much earlier reminder of May’s luncheon since it’s LADIES’ DAY and we hope as many as possible will be able to attend. The venue is the same – RCL #258 – Lawson Rd. (Highland Creek) and we usually begin approximately 11:30 a.m. It has been brought to my attention by a few now, that some are under the impression that this event is a “couples only” function. This is indeed NOT SO. Sadly, many of us (men and women) have lost spouses and find it difficult to socialize. Please consider coming out on the 13th to catch up on everyone’s news and have a great few hours. If you would like to attend but for any reason are not comfortable with navigating on your own, e-mail me and I’ll do my best to find someone in your area who could pick you up (and/or car pool). We do appreciate r.s.v.p. as soon as possible and you may call BARRY at the White House – 416-438-2458, ROY at the Fletcher Residence – 416-261-0661 or you may simply e-mail me and I will see that your message is passed on. FRANK MCPHERSON contacted me with regard to Firefighter Calendars and the best I could do for him was to offer a picture of Mr. December 1966 or put him in touch with the Union Rep at TFS. I haven’t heard if he has had any success in this venture. If not, I might suggest a SFD Retirees calendar. Since Frank stipulated he wanted one with lots of muscle and skin, I thought perhaps we Retirees could at least come across with the skin part. Muscle tone may not be overly abundant though. If anyone thinks this may be a good idea, feel free to bring along (to the luncheon), your “speedoes” or Y-fronts if you prefer and a bottle of baby oil so we could have some try-outs. The girls can act as judges for us. May is a busy month folks and we also have notice of the ROSS FORFAR 5th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT on Tuesday, May 25 at Sleepy Hollow in Stouffville. Proceeds will go toward Firefighters Cancer Research Fund at the Princess Margaret Hospital. If you plan to attend, registration forms can be obtained by clicking on www.scarboroughfirefighters.org and scroll down to the article and you will be told where to “click” in order to print out a form. Hopefully we will see NANCY FORFAR out at the LADIES’ LUNCHEON on the 13th. Friday, May 28 is SCARBOROUGH DAY 2010 and everyone is invited to Jack Astors (right beside Scarborough Town Centre) for a celebration. The party begins at 1:00 p.m. - - - onwards. I know there is a lot of information for you all to put on your calendars but there’s still one more you shouldn’t forget - - Sunday May 9 is Mothers’ Day and I’m certain we all know somebody’s mother whom we should acknowledge. Take care folks! Best regards, Al [Apr 5/10] HELLO EVERYONE: Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend- - - -great weather and celebrations with family and friends. Also hope you woke yesterday morning to a house full of Easter eggs, rather than piles of rabbit droppings. Children, grandchildren and friends filled the Adams Hilton, providing us with a wonderful celebration of the Easter holiday. Some reminders for you for this week. . . . . . .. . . . . . Sadly we announce the passing of PERRY ZOPF’S father, JOSEPH on GOOD FRIDAY, April 2, 2010 in his 94th year. Funeral took place today in Whitby. WEDNESDAY APRIL 07 - - - - Funeral for RUTH FERGUSON - - - -Wife of CLIFF FERGUSON, sister of BILL BAILEY - - - Visitation – Pine Hills Chapel and Reception Centre - - 625 Birchmount Road (at St. Clair Avenue East Toronto) – 416-268229, on Tuesday April 06 - - 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.. Memorial service to be held in the chapel, Wednesday April 07, 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow. If desired, donations may be made to the CANDIAN CANCER SOCIETY. NOTE: CLIFF FERGUSON became the great grandfather to his 4th great grandchild , JACOB PAUL JAMES - - - - - 7 lbs. plus just this week. A celebration of life - - - -Sunday April 11 - - 1:00 p.m. will be held for HOWIE WEST at Q’sis Banquet Hall, Markham Road – Eglinton, Scarborough. A retirement party is planned for GLENN ROSS seniority # 448 who retired January 31, 2010 on Friday, April 09 - - 2:00 p.m. at Old Stone Cottage Inn - - 3750 Kingston Road at Golf Club Road. Tickets - - $10.00 at dor or can be purchased from Station 231 (old #7) “A” Platoon. Don’t forget folks to keep THURSDAY, APRIL 29th for a celebration of the retirement of DAVE STEVENS at the Harp and Crown, Pickering - - 6:30 p.m. - - 300 Kingston Road (at Altona) - - 905-509-6565 Our next luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2010 and we will be graced by a speaker from OMERS who has agreed to answer any questions from our members. This will be of utmost importantence to anyone who has questions with regard to their pension. Don’t forget to r.s.v.p. to BARRY WHITE - - 415-438-2458 Or e-mail me if you will be attending this month’s luncheon. Best regards, AL Jan 10/2010 HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE ! Hope everyone had a great Christmas and are not nursing colds and flu as PAT and BARRY WHITE are currently doing. When the ball dropped, do you think they may have toasted each other with Neo-Citran? Our executive have decided to dedicate the first luncheon of the new year, next Thursday January 14 to all members celebrating the 50th anniversary of their inception into the Scarborough Fire Department. Our records show 59 men joined SFD in 1960 and we hope to get as many as possible to come out and enjoy a few hours of reminiscing “the old days.” Fifty years is a long time kids and our memories may not be what they used to, so just in case, it might be a good idea to bring along a pair of hip waders. It could become quite deep at times. We are still at the Highland Creek Legion, Lawson Road and the fun begins when the sun reaches the yard arm, or whenever you arrive, whichever comes first. Most members start arriving around 11:30 a.m. If you haven’t yet visited JOHN VONK with your membership remittance for 2010, this will be a great opportunity to do so. PLEASE don’t forget to r.s.v.p. so the ladies will know how much food to prepare. As usual, you may call BARRY at the WHITE HOUSE – 416-438-2458, ROY at THE FLETCHER RESIDENCE – 416-261-0661 or you may simply e-mail me and I will pass your message on. Please r.s.v.p. before Tuesday, January 12. A little birdie told me it was BILL WRETHAM’S birthday on January 4, but not to worry, I shot the little bugger before he could spread it around. Happy birthday BILL! Good news folks; the rabbit died and this means PAT and GLEN CARTER will be first time grandparents in May. Congratulations kids! Welcome to this wonderful club. We know you’re going to absolutely love it. While we’re on the subject of grandchildren - - we here at the Adams Hilton welcomed another grandson into the family on December 28. Little Landon James weighed in at 7 lbs. 11 oz. and his Mommy, Daddy and 3 year old brother, Grayden are absolutely delighted. On the other hand, we are still peeling Grandma from the ceiling. Hope everyone is managing to stay away from all the flu “bugs” flying around out there. Remember, it’s still winter, so watch the weather and be careful driving. Hope to see as many as possible next Thursday. Best regards, Al Below is a list those who are or would have been celebrating 50 years since their inception into the SFD.
November 26/09 HELLO EVERYONE: It appears that the mystery of the SFD hat badge found in a Markham plaza has been solved. A member of the colour guard from the Highland Creek Legion who found it in the parking lot gave it to Barry White, who is also a member of the colour guard. Al Jenkins’ daughter, Cathy read our last e-mail notice with regard to this badge and contacted Barry. Apparently, Al gave his badge to Cathy before he passed away, hoping it would bring her good luck. Thieves broke into her car in the parking lot and stole her purse with the badge inside and dumped the contents on the ground. It indeed did bring her good luck, having been found by someone who had contact with SFD (Barry). ERIC COTTER has requested we inform the members of a retirement party planned for BRUCE BURNETT to be held on December 1, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Knights Bar and Grill, 605 Kingston Road, Pickering. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased at the door or by contacting Eric on 'A' Platoon at Station #231 (old Hall 7) or telephone: 416-338-9023. I was chatting with Tom McAuley this morning he has informed me that he is not a candidate for an experimental drug to combat his cancer but he will be consulting with a doctor at Scarborough Centenary next Tuesday to discuss treatment of Chemotherapy. Tom said several members have called him and he was pleased to chat with them. If you prefer, he can be contacted through his e-mail address: tlmcc@bell.net . He is still not up to receiving visitors. Lois and Tom, we will all keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Don’t forget the next luncheon will be Thursday, December 10 at the Highland Creek Legion - - 11:30 ish. If you are experiencing flu or cold symptoms, please stay tucked in to avoid spreading it to others. We are nearing the end of the year and in order to keep our Treasurer, John Vonk happy, please bring along $10.00 for next year’s membership fees. Hope to see a large turnout, driving the 50-50 draw sky high. Who knows, perhaps we’ll be served cranberry sauce with our meat pie this time. In order to have enough food, PLEASE r.s.v.p. to Barry at the White House: 416-438-2458 or you could e-mail me and I will pass your message on to Barry. Play safely kids. See you on the 10th Best regards, Al November 19/09 HELLO EVERYONE! Hopefully, I have finally fully recovered from a total computer crash. Not to worry folks as this was confirmed by the experts that it was not a result of any viruses I may have passed on to you, but rather some sort of corruption in my windows system. The damned thing most likely thought it was a politician. A great big thank you to Bill Wretham for all his help in communicating with you during this stressful time for us. November 12th’s luncheon was a great success with 36 in attendance. Holly, the guest speaker from MROO offered a lot of great advice for the members. You won’t want to miss December’s (10th) luncheon as well. I will give you another reminder as the time gets closer. Bill Wretham has brought to our attention to be forwarded to the members, the death of Ed Crouch who started with SFD in April 1954 and left in May 1966. He was 78 years old and the retired Town of Whitby Fire Chief, as well as inventor of the Hockey Neck Guard. Ed died on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 and was the husband of Kathy and loving father of Ted – Karin Crouch, Lynne Sevink, Bucky – Martha Crouch, Kim – Louise Crouch and Jaime Crouch. A private family service will be held. We were greatly saddened to learn that Tom McAuley is currently battling a diagnosis of stomach cancer and is awaiting results of a biopsy to determine if he is eligible as a candidate for an experimental drug that has shown great results in the treatment of breast cancer and it is hopeful it will also help treat Tom. I was speaking with him on Saturday (Nov. 14) and he has requested NO VISITORS at this time but will accept telephone calls, when up to it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Lois and Tom! Bob Sale has found an SFD hat badge (old one) at a plaza in Markham, so if anyone has lost this could you please contact BARRY at the WHITE HOUSE - - 416-438-2458- - Don’t call Bob since he only accepts smoke signals and as well, since there was no one attached to the badge, we cannot yet determine the owner of it. Take Care! Best regards, Al
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